Navigating flu Flipbook

Navigating flu season How EMIS technology is helping alleviate common pharmacy challenges

Contents

Supporting your pharmacy this flu season......................................................... 04

Engaging with patients.......................... 08

• Introducing Patient Access for Professionals............................. 09 • Download your free Patient Access poster. .................................. 10

Streamlining flu jab delivery ................ 12

• Save 3 minutes per flu appointment with PreConsult... 13

Efficiency through integration . ........... 14

• Improved data sharing

between PharmOutcomes and ProScript Connect................. 15

Get in touch............................................... 18

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Supporting your pharmacy this flu season As the UK leader in connected healthcare software and systems, our technology supports over 5,900 pharmacies to deliver operational success across the UK. We understand that flu season has always been a demanding time for pharmacists, and 2024 presents its own unique set of challenges. With increasing thresholds for the Pharmacy First initiative, ongoing workforce shortages and limited resource, the demands on your pharmacy are greater than ever, but so are the opportunities to innovate and adapt. In this document, we’ll explore how EMIS solutions are helping pharmacies solve common challenges during flu season, from promoting your services to patients to streamlining flu jab delivery.

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The challenge

The programme’s first winter is expected to bring an influx of patients seeking treatment for sore throats and other seasonal conditions. Pharmacists now face the added challenge of screening walk-in patients to determine if they meet the gateway criteria for Pharmacy First - a process that requires time and careful assessment - alongside catering to the demand for flu vaccinations. Whilst it’s an exciting time for pharmacy it’s also challenging as community pharmacies must manage increased patient volumes without proportionate increases in support or funding. To help alleviate this pressure, pharmacies will need to embrace technology to streamline clinical workflows during flu season.

From Sima Jassal, Clinical Director, EMIS Community pharmacies in England are facing a range of challenges as they adapt to an increasingly complex healthcare environment. Whilst the introduction of clinical services is beneficial for both the sector and patients, pharmacists continue to manage growing prescription volumes driven by an ageing population and a rise in chronic conditions, further compounded by pharmacy closures.

We’ve heard success stories with Pharmacy First, however it’s clear that the service is still in its infancy. Although it’s helped save GP appointments and in some cases allowed patients to be treated sooner, the number of referrals from GPs remains inconsistent. This only adds additional pressure on the sector as it strives to meet the growing clinical service targets for Pharmacy First.

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Engaging with patients

Our solution

Patient Access for Professionals

Your team plays a vital role in encouraging patients to get vaccinated. However, we understand that they often lack the time or resource to effectively promote their flu services to the community.

Patient Access is the UK’s leading independent healthcare app, supporting over 18 million users across the UK with a digital front door into both NHS and private healthcare services. Patient Access for Professionals (PA Pro) allows your patients to book appointments directly into your pharmacy using the online booking platform. By listing your services on PA Pro, patients can search and book services via the patient app, making it even easier to manage your availability and appointments in one platform. Streamline appointment scheduling Patients can book their flu jab appointments online directly into your pharmacy via the Patient Access app, reducing the administrative burden on pharmacy staff whilst minimising wait times for patients. Enhance patient communication Automated reminders ensure your patients stay informed and prepared for their upcoming appointments.

We know your pharmacy needs…

A reliable platform that makes it as easy as possible for patients to book flu jabs at your pharmacy.

A cost-effective way to digitally advertise flu jab delivery to patients in your area.

An easy-to-use platform to effectively manage services, availability and appointments.

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Download your free Patient Access poster We’ve made it even easier to promote the Patient Access app to your patients. Click the link to download your free Patient Access poster.

Click the arrow to download

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Streamlining flu jab delivery Pharmacists across the UK work hard to provide their patients with the highest quality of care. However, it can often be challenging managing day-to-day activities alongside vaccine delivery. By introducing technology that helps streamline this process, you can focus on delivering better patient care.

Our solution

PreConsult within PharmOutcomes Available as a free feature within PharmOutcomes, our leading service management tool, PreConsult allows patients to complete pre-screening forms electronically before their vaccination, saving an average of 3 minutes per flu appointment.

We know your pharmacy needs…

Streamline patient assessments

Patients can fill out their information at their own convenience, either at home or in the pharmacy. With pre-screening completed in advance, you’re free to focus on delivering patient care and maximising efficiency.

A way to reduce the administrative burden that accompanies service delivery.

Improve workflow efficiency

PreConsult integrates into the PharmOutcomes platform ensuring that all patient information recorded in PreConsult is passed securely into the PharmOutcomes ‘Flu template’ when saved. This partially completed record is then easily accessible via your PharmOutcomes ‘services’ page, allowing you to review and finalise the patient information before administering the vaccine. By streamlining this process using PreConsult, you can save valuable clinical time without compromising patient safety.

A tool that supports patient flow throughout the pharmacy, reducing wait times and improving the patient experience.

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Efficiency through integration Flu season presents many additional challenges for community pharmacy. To manage these effectively, you need robust systems that drive efficiencies across your daily workflows. Through integration, your pharmacy can provide safer, faster, and more effective services.

Our solution

Data entry in PharmOutcomes By accessing PharmOutcomes through the ProScript Connect dashboard, you can easily enter vaccine details such as patient ID, batch number, and administration date into the PharmOutcomes template. Once the record is saved, the information is automatically transferred to the patient’s GP practice and the NHS Business Services Authority, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow. Data-sharing between platforms PharmOutcomes allows you to record and administer the flu vaccine with the ability to write back into the patient record via ProScript Connect. By automating the transfer of information between PharmOutcomes and ProScript Connect, there’s no need to re-key information, reducing the risk of inaccuracies and human error. This integration ensures you have access to accurate, real-time data, allowing you to track and manage your flu service delivery more effectively.

We know your pharmacy needs...

A reliable way to transfer information from your service delivery platform to your Patient Medication Record (PMR) system.

An integration that minimises the time spent re-keying information back into the patient record.

Data transmission into ProScript Connect

The system integration between PharmOutcomes and ProScript Connect ensures that all vaccine details are seamlessly updated in ProScript Connect, keeping the patient’s medical record accurate whilst minimising the risk of errors.

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Key stats

132,000 + flu vaccinations were delivered using PreConsult in 2023

5,900 pharmacies across the UK use ProScript Connect

35 years providing front line technology to the healthcare sector

3,000,000+ flu vaccinations recorded in PharmOutcomes during 2023

2024 EMIS. All rights reserved.

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Get in touch Talk to a member of our team about how EMIS can support your pharmacy this flu season

Email: communitypharmacy@emishealth.com